misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
Synonyms of misstepnext
1
: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder
missteps that led to the project's failure
2
: a wrong step
took a misstep and fell

Synonyms of misstep

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Examples of misstep in a Sentence

Their decision to relocate the company was a major misstep. another misstep like that, and the company could go belly-up
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Infantino’s misstep was inviting private investors, led by Joshua Kushner, to buy a stake in future profits from World Cups and all FIFA events. — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Starmer stepped down in July after two years in office, following missteps, policy U-turns and his failure to get Britain’s sluggish economy growing. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Addressing these cultural missteps is crucial for leaders to retain top talent and prevent disengagement from escalating into resignations. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Candace Parker, Chelsea Gray and Nneka Ogwumike are all former Sparks champions who left in free agency because of the franchise’s consistent missteps. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for misstep

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misstep was in 1788

Rhymes for misstep

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Browse Nearby Words

misstatement
misstep
miss the boat
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Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on misstep

Nglish: Translation of misstep for Spanish Speakers

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